Deputy National Defense Minister Mariusz Tomczyk has accused President Karol Nawrocki’s aides of withholding information on a possible MiG‑29 transfer to Ukraine, sparking a sharp government‑presidential row.
Tomczyk’s Accusations
Mariusz Tomczyk posted a lengthy message on X accusing President Karol Nawrocki and his aides of failing to inform him about the potential sale of MiG‑29 fighters to Ukraine. He claimed the president was “evading the truth” and that these actions “again try to provoke a Polish‑Polish war.” He further argued that the National Security Committee had repeatedly briefed the council on this possibility, stressing that the decision lies with the Council of Ministers.
Limits on Misinformation
Vice‑Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz echoed Tomczyk, saying there are limits to misleading the public by the president’s representatives. He warned that repeated lies cannot be tolerated, noting that allies and enemies closely monitor the president’s statements.
Negotiations and Pragmatism
Tomczyk highlighted that Poland is negotiating for specific technologies in exchange for the MiG‑29s, stressing that it is not “giving equipment for free” as had been alleged under former Prime Minister Morawiecki. He framed this approach as pragmatic and in Poland’s best interests.
Dispute Over Information Flow
On 10 December, Marcin Przydacz, head of the Presidential Office’s International Policy department, told journalists that he learned of the transfer plans from media reports. He described the MiG‑29s as being withdrawn and revealed that president’s aides had participated in transfer talks.
Calls for Accountability
In response, the president’s office said the government should “do a conscience reckoning.” The Prime Minister’s chief of staff, Jan Grabiec, also confirmed that the president’s aides were involved in discussions about transferring aircraft to Ukraine.
